Belegarth by-laws

Current Version Effective October 23rd 2018

Mission Statement

It is the mission of BMCS to create a safe, fun, inclusive, and friendly environment in which participants may engage in medieval-fantasy activities, especially simulated combat with sports equipment and the pursuit, study, and appreciation of related arts and sciences. BMCS shall promote artistry, study, and appreciation in pre-1600’s cultures as well as in the medieval fantasy genres.

Article 1: Name

The name of this organization shall be Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. It will be henceforth referred to as BMCS. The purpose of BMCS shall be to educate members about the medieval arts and sciences, fantasy lore, and the safe practice of simulated medieval martial arts, and for any other related exempt purpose the organization later decides to engage in. BMCS shall only conduct activities that fulfill an exempt purpose as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as may be amended from time to time. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to any director, officer, member or other private person, except that the BMCS shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the exempt purposes as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of the Organization, its Conflict of Interest Policy, and these Bylaws.

Article 2: Objectives

• 2.1 BMCS as an organization shall strive for the following:
  • 2.1.1 To promote greater interest and understanding of BMCS and its mission statement to the public
  • 2.1.2 To educate members about the medieval arts and sciences, fantasy lore, and the safe practice of simulated medieval martial arts.
  • 2.1.3 To enable realms and individual members to further the BMCS mission statement and promote the organization as a whole by identifying and promoting best practices so that members can better engage with the public and build cohesion within the community.

Article 3: Recognition

• 3.1. BMCS shall adhere to all state, local and federal regulations to which it is subject to, including those applicable to tax exempt organizations.

Article 4: Membership

• 4.1 Member Rights and Responsibilities
  • 4.1.1 Membership in BMCS shall be reserved for individuals and institutions that support the mission and objectives of BMCS, and agree to adhere to and uphold the BMCS Code of Ethical Guidelines and Policy of Non-discrimination. BMCS shall keep and maintain an official member roster showing all active members entitled to speak and or vote, which shall at least include the members’ full names and mailing addresses. Members are responsible for providing their information and any change of mailing address.
  • 4.1.2 Participation in BMCS activities at any level is reserved for members and non-members approved by the member hosting the activities.
• 4.2 Non-Members
  • 4.2.1 Only a Member in good standing shall have the privilege of voting, holding office, of nominating and electing the Officers of the organization, and of being a representative at War Council, henceforth referred to as “WC”.
  • 4.2.2 Non-members are those persons who have not agreed to uphold the responsibilities of membership, or for whom membership has been revoked or denied.
  • 4.2.3 Non-members may only participate in activities in which the hosting member has granted explicit permission. This includes but is not limited to events and practices.
  • 4.2.4 Non-members are explicitly barred from attending and participating in BMCS funded events.
• 4.3 Non-Member Participation
  • 4.3.1 Members that choose to allow non-members to participate in their hosted activities assume full liability for said persons.
  • 4.3.2 Hosting members must clearly advertise ahead of time when an activity will allow non-members, and must specifically name the admittance of persons for which membership has been revoked or denied by BMCS.
• 4.4 Automatic Denial of Membership
  • 4.4.1 In accordance with the mission of BMCS and in an attempt to provide a safe environment for its Members, individuals with the following legal status or history will be automatically denied membership in BMCS:
    • 4.4.1.1 Persons who have ever been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to sexual offences against a minor, or related actions thereof. This includes but is not limited to solicitation of a minor for sexual acts, grooming behaviors or predation, possession, distribution, solicitation for, or creation of child pornography, or sexual exploitation of a minor.
    • 4.4.1.2 Persons who have ever been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to rape or sexual assault.
    • 4.4.1.3 Persons who have ever been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to severe violent offences such as murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, or violence against a child.
• 4.5 Procedural Denial or Revocation of Membership
  • 4.5.1 An individual may be pre-emptively denied membership, or have their membership revoked, via the following criteria and procedures.
  • 4.5.2 Criteria
    • 4.5.2.1 A person may be denied or lose membership for the following non-exclusive criteria, and non-listed criteria determined to be in keeping with the spirit of this list by the BMCS War Council:
      • 4.5.2.1.1 Sexual offences for which the person may or may not have received a conviction, including sexual harassment, assault, rape, and sexual offences involving a minor.
      • 4.5.2.1.2 Repetitive or severe violent offences for which the person may or may not have received a conviction, including but not limited to domestic violence, murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, physical assault, or credible threats pertaining to the above.
      • 4.5.2.1.3 Known association with or dissemination of extremist views that dehumanize and/or promote violence against any person or group, or are otherwise not in keeping with the BMCS mission statement, objectives, code of ethical guidelines, or policy of non-discrimination.
      • 4.5.2.1.4 A person may not be denied or have membership revoked for their political, religious, or social ideology, where those ideologies do not advocate for the dehumanization of or violence against any persons, classes, races, etc., and do not violate Article 2 or Article 13 of these Bylaws.
        • 4.5.2.1.4.1 Persons using such beliefs to actively create unwelcoming environment to other participants, through word or deed, are in violation of section 13.2.6, and should be reprimanded via the guidelines in section 13.3.